70th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway

On June 4, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will join with Americans across the nation in observing the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. As the Lowcountry’s leading site for naval and maritime history, the museum will host “The Battle of Midway: 70 Years Later.”

Moderated by veteran journalist Warren Pepper, this educational program will begin at 11 a.m. on June 4 in the USS YORKTOWN’s Smokey Stover Theatre and will provide residents with an opportunity to learn about this historic battle, which marked a turning point in World War II. The symposium is hosted by the Patriots Point Institute of History and Science and is free and open to the public.

A special video will be shown to provide the history and significance of the historic battle. The video will include comments from Bill Roy, a photographer aboard the original YORKTOWN (CV-5) and Battle of Midway survivor. An exhibit has been created to showcase some of Mr. Roy’s photography of the battle.

A discussion will follow the video, with remarks by panelists, including Battle of Midway survivor, CAPT (Ret.) John Hancock, a gunner aboard the USS YORKTOWN (CV-5). CAPT Hancock will share his personal memories and experiences from the harrowing battle and the events that led up to ultimate sinking of the YORKTOWN (CV-5).

Additional panelists include top military commanders in the region, as well as experts on the Battle of Midway:

Col. Brian Murtha, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort CAPT Thomas Bailey, Deputy Commander, Joint Base Charleston Dr. Kyle Sinisi, Associate Professor of History, The Citadel Panel discussion will explore naval strategies and their effects on the outcome of this battle – from both the perspectives of the United States and Japan. In addition, leaders will investigate whether a similar battle could take place in the present day.

This symposium is the third in Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum’s WWII 70th anniversary series, “Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” It is being offered in conjunction with the museum’s special Piccolo Spoleto exhibit, Art and Music in Times of War. This exhibit will be on display from May 25 – June 10 and will feature several original pieces of art focusing on the Battle of Midway.